By Makua Ubanagu
A former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, has claimed that the beauty of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan poses a problem for her in politics, stating that men find it difficult to ignore her presence.
Speaking on Arise News on Monday, Ogunlewe remarked that female senators do not consider themselves inferior to men and often assert themselves in political discussions.
However, he suggested that Senator Natasha’s physical appearance sets her apart in a way that affects how men react to her.
“The female senators did not look at themselves as if they were inferior to men. They were even up to the task. If you even mention that Itadewa is a woman, the response you are going to get will make you ashamed of yourself because they will stand up to you,” he said.
Referring specifically to Akpoti-Uduaghan, he added, “But the beauty of Distinguished Senator Natasha is a problem to her.
When asked, “How can beauty be a problem?”
He said, “You know, men—when somebody who is pretty passes by you, your attitude will change. You can smile, you can wink, but you may not talk to her. But her beauty is a problem, there’s no doubt about that.”
When pressed further on how beauty could be an issue, Ogunlewe responded, “To men, when she’s passing, there’s no way a man will not look at that woman.”
He defended his stance by stating that it is natural for men to notice attractive women, adding, “It is a natural thing for a man to look at beautiful women. How can you be a man, and a beautiful woman is passing, and you close your eyes?”
Despite being questioned on whether his views were misogynistic, Ogunlewe insisted that his observations were based on natural human tendencies.
“It may be, you might term it that way, but it is inbuilt,” he said.